Slide fastener chain, method and apparatus for forming end thereof

ABSTRACT

According to the fastener chain, method and apparatus for forming ends thereof, coil-shaped fastener elements as linear fastener elements are attached and sewed to side edge portions of a pair of fastener tapes with sewing yarns as fixing yarns while a core thread is inserted through the fastener elements. The coil-shaped fastener elements are cut off at leg portions, each of which is in contact with the fastener tape, at ends of the fastener elements, so that cut end portions are formed. These cut end portions are pushed inward of the side edge portions, and then, the leg portions and inverted portions thereof are fused to the fastener tapes by heating. As a result, a form of each end of the fastener elements is stabilized, so that the resultant slide fastener is good in safety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a configuration of an end oflinear fastener elements in a space portion of a fastener chain in whichcoil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements molded ofthermoplastic resin monofilament are attached to a fastener tape. Italso relates to a method and an apparatus for forming such an end of thelinear fastener elements.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when a singleunit of slide fastener is produced by cutting a continuous slidefastener chain, in which coil-shaped fastener elements made ofthermoplastic resin are attached to a fastener tape, at each spaceportion which is provided at a predetermined interval on the fastenerchain, an upper stopper device or a lower stopper device is attached tothe coil-shaped fastener elements in a state that an end of thecoil-shaped fastener elements is cut to be a cut end portion 7′ as shownin FIG. 33.

[0004] When the slide fastener in this form is employed on clothes orthe like, it may injury the skin of a wearer or catch on his underwearso that an unexpected accident may occur. This point has been improvedin a slide fastener as shown in FIG. 34 and disclosed in JapaneseUtility Model Publication No. 46-16573. In this slide fastener, linearfastener elements 1″ made of thermoplastic resin are sewed onto a sideedge portion of a fastener tape 2″ with sewing yarns 15″, and an upperstopper device 10″ is attached to an end of the linear fastener elements1″ such that it is attached over the linear fastener elements 1″.Further, the end of the linear fastener elements 1″ existing outside theupper stopper device 10″ are melted by heating in that state and fusedwith the fastener tape 22 so as to form a fused portion 8 a.

[0005] In the slide fastener as described above and shown in FIG. 34,the upper stopper device 10″ is attached to the linear fastener elements1″ made of thermoplastic resin and then, the linear fastener element 1″existing at a upper end side of the upper stopper device 10″ is meltedby a heating means and fused to the fastener tape 2″ so as to form thefused portion 8″. Thus, the fused portion 8″ is solidified on thefastener tape 2″ such that it protrudes from an edge portion of thefastener tape 2″. Therefore, there is a problem that because the fusedportion 8″ is hard, the wearer may feel a physical discomfort anduncomfortable when it touches his skin.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Accordingly, the present invention has been achieved in views ofthe above described problems. A main object of the present invention isto provide a slide fastener chain in which a cut end potion of linearfastener elements in the fastener chain is formed in a safety form nothaving a danger of injuring the skin of a wearer or catching on hisunderwear, and in which the end of the linear fastener elements is fixedonto a fastener tape of the slide fastener chain in a stabilized state.Therefore, it is possible to finish the slide fastener chain with anupper stopper device or a lower stopper device, or a box pin and aseparable pin of a separable stopper device attached in a safety state,so that the slide fastener chain can be used comfortably for a long timewhile not providing a feeling of a physical discomfort to the wearer.

[0007] Another object of the present invention is to provide a slidefastener chain which can be used with safety in a stabilized state whenthe slide fastener is operated, by specifying the cut end potionposition of the linear fastener elements in the fastener chain and afused form of the linear fastener elements at the cut end potion thereofto be fused to the fastener tape.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aslide fastener chain in which a space portion can be produced in thefastener chain simply without considering a coiling direction of thecoil-shaped fastener elements in the fastener chain or a disposition ofan inverted portion of zigzag shaped fastener elements.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aslide fastener chain allowing the end of the linear fastener elements inthe fastener chain to be processed accurately so as to produce a safetyform of the fastener chain.

[0010] Still another object of the present invention is to provide aslide fastener chain in which the end of the linear fastener elements inthe fastener chain is processed in a stabilized state, and then an upperstopper device, a lower stopper device or a box pin and separable pin ofa separable stopper device is attached, so that a comfortable use of theslide fastener can be achieved for a long time.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for forming a cut end potion of thermoplastic-resin-made coiltype or zigzag type linear fastener elements of a slide fastener chainin a stabilized configuration, which can be attached to the fastenertape securely.

[0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide amethod for forming a cut end potion of thermoplastic-resin-made coiltype or zigzag type linear fastener elements of a continuous slidefastener chain with ease in a stabilized configuration.

[0013] To achieve the above object, according to a first aspect of thepresent invention, there is provided a slide fastener chain includingcoil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements of thermoplastic resinattached to a side edge portion of a fastener tape, wherein an end ofthe linear fastener elements has a fused portion formed by fusing thefastener element at said end to the fastener tape by heating in such amanner that a cut end potion of the end of the linear fastener elementsis located inward of the side edge portion, and the cut end potion ofthe end of the linear fastener elements is located so as not to projectfrom the side edge portion of the fastener tape.

[0014] Preferably, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, the end of the coil type or zigzag type linear fastenerelements has the fused portion formed by fusing the fastener element atsaid end to the fastener tape by heating in such a manner that the cutend potion of the end of the linear fastener elements is pushed inwardof the side edge portion of the fastener tape.

[0015] Further, it is preferable that cut end potion of the end of thecoil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements is provided by cuttinga leg portion of the fastener element at said end which faces and is incontact with the fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed byfusing an inverted portion of the linear fastener element at said end tothe fastener tape by heating.

[0016] Alternatively, the cut end potion of the end of the coil type orzigzag type linear fastener elements may be provided by cutting a legportion of the linear fastener element at the end which faces and is incontact with the fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed byfusing the cut leg portion to the fastener tape by heating.

[0017] Further alternatively, the cut end potion of the end of the coiltype or zigzag type linear fastener elements may be provided by cuttinga leg portion of the linear fastener element at the end which faces andis in contact with the fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed byfusing the cut leg portion and an inverted portion to the fastener tapeby heating.

[0018] Further, it is preferable that the cut end potion of the end ofthe coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements is provided bycutting an upper leg portion at the end which is disposed apart from asurface of the fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed by fusingthe cut upper leg portion and an inverted portion to the fastener tapeby heating.

[0019] Furthermore, it is preferable that the cut end potion of the endof the coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements is locatedbelow a core thread or a blade attached at the linear fastener elementsand is fused to the fastener tape in a state that the cut end potion isnipped between the core thread or blade and the fastener tape.

[0020] Alternatively, it is preferable that the cut end potion of theend of the coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements is locatedbelow a fixing yarn such as a sewing yarn, warp yarn or warp knittingyarn, for fixing the linear fastener elements onto the fastener tape,and the cut end potion is fused to the fastener tape in a state that thecut end potion is nipped between the fixing yarn and the fastener tape.

[0021] Further, it is preferable that an upper stopper device or a lowerstopper device is attached to the coil-type or zigzag type linearfastener elements at a position adjacent to the fused portion formed onthe linear fastener elements.

[0022] Alternatively, it is preferable that an upper stopper device, alower stopper device, or a set of box pin and separable pin of aseparable stopper device is attached so as to cover the fused portionformed on the coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements.

[0023] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for forming an end of a slide fastener chain in whichcoil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements made of thermoplasticresin are attached to a side edge portion of a fastener tape, comprisingsteps of cutting a leg portion at said end of the linear fastenerelements to form a cut end potion; pushing the cut end potion of thelinear fastener elements inward of the side edge portion of the fastenertape; and with maintaining that pushed state, fusing the end of thelinear fastener elements to the fastener tape by heating.

[0024] Further preferably, in forming the end of the slide fastenerchain at each space portion of the slide fastener chain where coil typeor zigzag type linear fastener elements are attached, the methodcomprises steps of: forwarding a pair of pushing members into the spaceportion of the fastener chain; hauling the fastener chain at the spaceportion so as to locate front and back cut end portions of the spaceportion at the pushing members and at the same time, pressing the linearfastener elements to be separated in lateral directions thereof whilecontacting the cut end potions of the linear fastener elements with thepushing members; and pushing each of the cut end potions inward of theside edge portion of the fastener tape.

[0025] Furthermore, it is preferable that the method for forming the endof the slide fastener chain comprises a step of, with the cut end potionof said end of the coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elementsbeing pushed inward of the side edge portion of the fastener tape,fusing an inverted portion of the fastener element at said end to thefastener tape by heating.

[0026] Still further, it is preferable the method for forming the end ofthe slide fastener chain comprises steps of: pressing the side edgeportions of a pair of left and right fastener tapes in lateraldirections thereof by each of the pushing member when the pushingmembers ascend to contact with the side edge portions; and bending theside edge portions of the fastener tapes in a predetermined direction,for example, downward to enlarge a gap between the pair of left andright fastener tapes and at the same time, pushing forcibly the cut endpotions of the coil type or zigzag type linear fastener elements inwardof the side edge portions of the fastener tapes.

[0027] Alternatively, it is preferable that the method for forming theend of the slide fastener chain comprises steps of: pressing the cut endpotions formed at the ends of the coil type or zigzag type linearfastener elements attached to the side edge portions of a pair offastener tapes in lateral directions thereof by each of the pushingmembers when the pushing members descend to contact with the cut endpotions, to separate only the cut end potions of the linear fastenerelements in lateral directions thereof and forcibly pushing them inwardof the side edge portions of the fastener tapes.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there isprovided an apparatus for forming an end of a slide fastener chain,comprising: a transfer path formed on a top face of a die fortransferring a continuous slide fastener chain having space portions toan end-forming mechanism and discharging the slide fastener chain afterthe ends are formed, a gap portion provided in a middle portion of theend-forming mechanism at the transfer path, an arm movable in and out ofthe gap portion for pushing down the continuous slide fastener chainbeing transferred above the gap portion, a pair of pushing membersdisposed in front and back of the gap portion and projectable toward thetransfer path for pushing cut end potions of linear fastener elementsprojecting from side edge portion of a pair of fastener tapes inwardly,a ultrasonic horn disposed so as to face parts of the die correspondingto the pushing members and movable toward and away from the die, so thatthe cut end potions of the linear fastener elements at the space portionat the end of the continuous slide fastener chain are fused to andformed on the fastener tapes in such a manner that the cut end potionsof the ends of the linear fastener elements does not project from theside edge portions of the fastener tapes.

[0029] Further, it is preferable that the pushing member disposed ineach of front and back of the gap portion has a taper surface at an endsurface thereof to contact with linear fastener elements so that the cutend portions of the linear fastener elements are smoothly pushed inwardof the side edge portions of the fastener tapes.

[0030] Furthermore, it is preferable that the die is provided with aguide groove through which the pushing member is slidably movable up anddown in such a manner that the pushing member can come in and out of anupper surface of the guide groove.

[0031] Still further, it is preferable that the ultrasonic horn disposedabove the die is provided with an insertion groove in which the pushingmember can be inserted.

[0032] Still further, it is preferable that the die is provided with arecessed portion on each of opposite sides of an end portion of theguide groove so that the side edge portion of the fastener tape can bebent and accommodated in the recessed portion.

[0033] Still further, it is preferable that the ultrasonic horn isprovided with a cut-out portion on each of opposite sides of an endportion of the insertion groove so that a core thread, fixing yarn orblade can be accommodated and pressed in the cut-out portion.

[0034] It is also preferable that the ultrasonic horn disposed above thedie is provided with a guide groove through which the pushing member isslidably movable up and down so as to come in and out of a lower surfaceof the guide groove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035]FIG. 1 is a partial plan view of a fastener chain according to afirst embodiment of the invention showing a state in which a cut endpotion of a linear fastener element protrudes from a side edge portion.

[0036]FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along the line A-A of the samefastener chain.

[0037]FIG. 3 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed at anend of the same fastener chain.

[0038]FIG. 4 is a side view of the end of the same fastener chain.

[0039]FIG. 5 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atthe end according to a modification of the same fastener chain.

[0040]FIG. 6 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atthe end indicating another modification of the same fastener chain.

[0041]FIG. 7 is a partial plan view of a fastener chain according to asecond embodiment of the invention showing a state in which a cut endpotion of linear fastener elements protrudes from a side edge portion.

[0042]FIG. 8 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atthe end of the fastener chain.

[0043]FIG. 9 is a partial plan view of a fastener stringer according toa third embodiment of the invention showing a state in which a cut endpotion of linear fastener elements exists inside the side edge portion.

[0044]FIG. 10 is a partial plan view showing the fused portion formed atthe end of the fastener stringer.

[0045]FIG. 11 is a partial plan view of a fastener stringer according toa fourth embodiment of the invention showing a state in which a cut endpotion of linear fastener elements protrudes from the side edge portion.

[0046]FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along the line B-B of thefastener stringer.

[0047]FIG. 13 is a partial plan view showing the fused portion formed atthe end of the fastener stringer.

[0048]FIG. 14 is a partial plan view of a fastener chain according to afifth embodiment of the invention showing a state in which the cut endpotion of a linear fastener element exists inward of a side edgeportion.

[0049]FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along the line C-C of thefastener chain.

[0050]FIG. 16 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atthe end of the fastener chain.

[0051]FIG. 17 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atan end of the linear fastener element according to a sixth embodiment ofthe invention.

[0052]FIG. 18 is a partial plan view showing a fused portion formed atan end of linear fastener elements according to a seventh embodiment ofthe Invention.

[0053]FIG. 19 is a partial plan view o f a fastener stringer in which anupper stopper device is attached in the vicinity of a fused portionformed at an end of linear fastener elements according to the invention.

[0054]FIG. 20 Is a sectional view taken along the line D-D of thefastener stringer.

[0055]FIG. 21 is a partial plan view of a fastener stringer in which anupper stopper device is attached so as to cover a fused portion formedat an end of linear fastener elements according to the invention.

[0056]FIG. 22 is a sectional view taken along the line E-E of thefastener stringer.

[0057]FIG. 23 is a partial plan view showing a step of raising andinserting a pushing member into a space portion of a fastener chainaccording to the invention.

[0058]FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the processing step of the fastenerchain.

[0059]FIG. 25 is a sectional view showing a step of heating and pressingthe fastener chain.

[0060]FIG. 26 is a partial plan view showing a step of lowering thepushing member into contact with a space portion of a fastener chainaccording to another embodiment.

[0061]FIG. 27 is a sectional view of the processing step of the fastenerchain.

[0062]FIG. 28 is a sectional view showing a step of heating and pressingthe fastener chain.

[0063]FIG. 29 is a plan view showing a state in which space portions aredisposed on a continuous fastener chain at a predetermined interval.

[0064]FIG. 30 is a front view schematically showing an apparatus forforming the end of the fastener chain.

[0065]FIG. 31 is a front view showing a state in which an arm and apushing member of the apparatus are actuated.

[0066]FIG. 32 is a front view showing a state in which a ultrasonic hornof the apparatus is actuated.

[0067]FIG. 33 is a plan view of a conventionally used slide fastener.

[0068]FIG. 34 is a plan view of a known slide fastener.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0069] Hereinafter, embodiments of a slide fastener chain, a method forforming an end of the slide fastener chain and an apparatus for formingan end of the slide fastener chain according to the present inventionwill be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, according to a slide fastener chain ofthe present invention, coil-shaped fastener elements 11, which areformed by coiling monofilament of synthetic resin such as polyamide andpolyester, is used for linear fastener elements 1. A core thread 3formed of twisted yarn of multi-filament of synthetic resin such aspolyamide and polyester is inserted into each row of the coil-shapedfastener elements 11. Then, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 aresewed onto a surface of a side edge portion 5 of a fastener tape 2formed of synthetic resin woven cloth 13 by multi-thread chain stitchesusing sewing yarns 15 of synthetic resin as fixing yarns 4, so that acontinuous fastener chain is formed. Then, space portions 6 are producedat a predetermined interval in the continuous fastener chain by, forexample, punching out the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 as shown inFIG. 29. Then, the slide fastener chain is cut at each space portion 6so as to produce a single slide fastener.

[0071] In the space portion 6 to be formed in the fastener chain, asshown in FIG. 1, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 are cut at legportions 22 so that a predetermined length of the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 each comprising an engaging head portion 21, a leg portion22 and an inverted portion 23 is removed. After that part of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 is removed, sharp cut end potions 7 ofthe leg portions 22 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 protrudefrom the side edge portions 5. When a single slide fastener is finishedin this state, the cut end potions 7 may touch and damage the skin of awearer or may catch on a underwear, thereby causing an inconvenience.

[0072] Therefore, according to the present invention, the cut endpotions 7 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 at the space portionsof the slide fastener chain are fixed in such manner that they arelocated inward of the side edge portions 5 of a pair of the fastenertapes 2. Then, each fastener tape 2 and the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are fixed to each other such that the cut end potion 7 doesnot protrude from the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2. Asshown in FIG. 3, with the cut end potion 7 of the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 held inward of the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape2, the leg portion 22 and inverted portion 23 at the end of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 are heated and pressurized onto thefastener tape 2 together with the core thread 3 and, for example, fusedby crushing with pressure by means of ultrasonic processing or highfrequency processing, or fused by a laser beam or a heating bodyincorporating electric heater, so that a fused portion 8 is formed.Consequently, the coil-shaped fastener elements 1 are fixed, thus theslide fastener is finished.

[0073] According to this embodiment, the cut end potion 7 exists in theleg portion 22 which is at a lower portion of the coil-shaped fastenerelement 11 so that the lower leg portion 22 faces to contact with thefastener tape 2. Therefore, the fused portion 8 formed with the legportion 22 and inverted portion 23 come into firm contact with thefastener tape 2 so that the fastener tape 2 is integrated with the fusedportion 8.

[0074]FIG. 5 shows a fastener chain of a similar configuration to theabove described embodiment. In this fastener chain, while a cut endpotion 7 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 is located inward ofthe side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2, only an inverted portion23 at the end of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 is fused onto thefastener tape 2 by heating to fix the coil-shaped fastener elements 11.As a result, the slide fastener is completed.

[0075]FIG. 6 also shows a fastener chain of a similar configuration tothe above embodiment. In this fastener chain, while a cut end potion 7of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 is located inward of the sideedge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2, only a leg portion 22 adjacentthe cut end potion 7 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 is fusedtogether with the core thread 3 onto the fastener tape 2 so as to form afused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 arefixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0076] In a coil-shaped fastener chain shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a coilingdirection of the coil-shaped fastener chain 11 is inverse to that of theabove described embodiment. A cut end potion 7 in a space portion 6provided in the coil-shaped fastener chain exists in an upper legportion 22 which is disposed apart from the fastener tape 2, so that thecut end potion 7 appears on the surface of the fastener chain.Therefore, for forming a fused portion 8, the leg portion 22 appearingon the surface is kept inward of a side edge portion 5 of the fastenertape 2 and then, the leg portion 22 and an inverted portion 23 are fusedto the fastener tape 2 and the core thread 3 by heating so as to formthe fused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11are fixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0077] In a fastener stringer shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, a cut end potion7 provided in a leg portion 22 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11is already disposed inward of a side edge portion 5 of a fastener tape 2and is hidden below a core thread 3 when the space portion 6 isproduced. Thus, with this state, the leg portion 22 and an invertedportion 23 at the end of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 are heatedto press and fuse the fastener tape 2 and the core thread 3 so as toform a fused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shaped fastener elements11 are fixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0078] In a fastener stringer shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, zigzag shapedfastener elements 12, which are made by bending monofilament ofsynthetic resin in a zigzag pattern so as to have each element bent atits center portion, are used for linear fastener elements 1. The zigzagshaped fastener elements 12 are held on the side edge portion 5 of thefastener tape 2 by nipping and a blade 9 is attached to an outside faceof the zigzag shaped fastener elements 12. Then, the zigzag shapedfastener elements 12 are sewed and fixed onto the fastener tape 2 usingsewing yarns 15 of multi-thread chain stitches for fixing yarns 4.

[0079] In this fastener stringer, a cut end potion 7 provided in a legportion 22 of the zigzag shaped fastener elements 12 protrudes from theside edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2. Therefore, the cut endpotion 7 is pushed inward of the side edge portion 5 and then, the legportion 22 and an inverted portion 23 are fused, together with theblade, onto the fastener tape 2 by heating to form a fused portion 8. Asa result, the zigzag shaped fastener elements 12 are fixed, thus theslide fastener is finished.

[0080] The blade 9 may be placed on an outer face of the zigzag shapedfastener elements 12 and sewed with the sewing yarn 15, with the zigzagshaped fastener elements 12 being placed on a top face, i.e., a surfaceof the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2. Alternatively, thezigzag shaped fastener elements 12 may be sewed directly to the fastenertape 2 without use of the blade 9.

[0081] In a fastener chain shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are sewed onto a side edge portion 5 of a fastener tape 2without a core thread 3 using sewing yarns 15 of multi-thread chainstitches. In this fastener chain also, a cut end potion 7 provided in aleg portion 22 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 is pushed inwardof the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2, and the leg portion22 and an inverted portion 23 are fused onto the fastener tape 2 byheating so as to form a fused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shapedfastener elements 11 are fixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0082] In a fastener stringer shown in FIG. 17, the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are woven onto a side edge portion 5 of a woven cloth 13woven in double picks by a needle loom. Because the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are fixed to the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2by mingling of warp yarn 16 and weft yarn 17 of double picks for fixingyarns 4, the cut end potion 7 provided in the leg portion 22 of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 protrudes from the side edge portion 5.Thus, with this cut end potion 7 being pushed inward of the side edgeportion 5, the leg portion 22 and an inverted portion 23 at the end ofthe coil-shaped fastener elements 11 are fused onto the fastener tape 2by heating so as to form a fused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shapedfastener elements 11 are fixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0083] In a fastener stringer shown in FIG. 18, coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are woven onto a side edge portion 5 of a knitted ground 14knitted with warp knitting yarns 18. Because the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 are fixed onto the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape2 of the knitted ground 14 by the warp knitting yarns 18 for fixingyarns 4, a cut end potion 7 provided in a leg portion 22 of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 protrudes from the side edge portion 5.Thus, the cut end potion 7 is pushed inward of the side edge portion 5and then, the leg portion 22 and an inverted portion 23 at the end ofthe coil-shaped fastener elements 11 are fused onto the fastener tape 2by heating to form a fused portion 8. As a result, the coil-shapedfastener elements 11 are fixed, thus the slide fastener is finished.

[0084] A fastener stringer shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 has an upper stopperdevice 10 attached to linear fastener elements 1 at a position near afused portion 8 formed on an end of the linear fastener elements 1 inthe fastener chain or fastener stringer as described in the respectiveembodiments. The fused portion 8 is formed at the end of the coil-shapedfastener elements 11 sewed onto the fastener tape 2 as shown here, and athree-leg stopper device 19 of metal is pierced through a portion thecoil-shaped fastener element 11 near this fused portion 8. Then, thelegs are bent at their ends to fix the device 19 so that the upperstopper is formed.

[0085] In a fastener stringer shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, an upper stopperdevice 10 is attached so as to cover a fused portion 8 formed at an endof the linear fastener elements 1 of the fastener chain or fastenerstringer as described in the above described respective embodiments. Asshown in the Figures, a fused portion 8 is formed at the end of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 sewed onto the fastener tape 2 andthen, a synthetic resin U-shaped stopper device 20 as an upper stopperdevice 10 is attached from the side edge portion 5 so as to wrap thefused portion 8 and pressed by heating. Particularly by crushing a fronttip of the U-shaped stopper device 20, it is fused onto the fastenertape 2. Alternatively, a metallic U-shaped stopper device may replacethe U-shaped stopper device 20 made of synthetic resin.

[0086] The foregoing description is directed to a slide fastener chainin which the upper stopper device 10 is attached or molded to the slidefastener chain at a position adjacent to or so as to cover the fusedportion 8 formed at the end of the coil-type or zigzag-type linearfastener elements of thermoplastic resin in a slide fastener chain orslide fastener stringer. The slide fastener chain may be finished with alower stopper device attached or molded at a position adjacent the fusedportion 8 formed in the slide fastener chain, or fused or molded so asto cover the fused portion 8. Further, the slide fastener chain may befinished with a separable stopper device in which a box pin andseparable pin of the separable stopper device are attached or molded tothe side edge portions 5 of the fastener tapes 2 so as to cover thefused portions of the slide fastener chain.

[0087] Next, a method for forming the end of the slide fastener chain ofthe present invention will be described. In an embodiment shown in FIG.23, a core thread 3 is inserted into the coil-shaped fastener elements11. These coil-shaped fastener elements 11 are sewed onto a surface of aside edge portion 5 of a fastener tape 2 with the sewing yarns 15 ofmulti-thread chain stitches. Then, these coil-shaped fastener elements11 are cut at a predetermined interval to form space portions 6, wherebya cut end potion 7 is formed in a leg portion 22 of each fastenerelement 11 in the vicinity of each space portion 6.

[0088] The continuous fastener chain in this state is sent to a processof heating the coil-shaped fastener element 11 near the space portion 6so as to form a fused portion 8. For example, as shown in FIGS. 24 and25, the continuous fastener chain is sent to a die 30 having in itscenter a guide groove 33 through which a pushing member 32 can slide upand down, and a recessed portion 35 provided on each of both sides ofthe guide groove 33 for accommodating a bent side edge portion 5 of thefastener tape 2 when the pushing member 32 ascends. Then, the pushingmember 32 having a taper surface 37 at its end surface and a thicknessequal to an interval between the opposite core threads 3 of the fastenerchain is inserted in and through the guide groove 33 of the die 30. Thepushing member 32 is movable in the space portion 6. When the pushingmember 32 ascends to contact with the side edge portion 5, the tapersurface 37 comes into contact with the cut end potion 7 of thecoil-shaped fastener element 11 protruding from each side edge portion 5of each fastener tape 2 during a transportation of the fastener chain.As a result, as the fastener chain is moved, the taper surface 37 guidesand pushes the cut end potion 7 inward of the fastener tape 2 and at thesame time, the inverted portion 23 of the coil-shaped fastener element11 is pushed outward of the core thread 3.

[0089] Alternatively, the pushing member 32 may push the cut end potion7 of the coil-shaped fastener element 11 inward of the fastener tape 2as it ascends to a stopped fastener chain.

[0090] In this state, a ultrasonic horn 31 for descending to an uppersurface of the cut end potion 7 formed at the end of the coil-shapedfastener elements 11 is disposed on both sides of the pushing member 32.The ultrasonic horn 31 is of the same size as a single fastener element11. Further, the ultrasonic horn 31 has an insertion groove 41 at itscenter in which the pushing member 32 can be inserted, and a cut-outportion 36 disposed on each of opposite sides of the insertion groove 41at a position facing the pushing member 32 for receiving and compressingthe core thread 3. When the ultrasonic horn 31 descends to press thefastener element 11 against the die 30 from above, the fastener element11, core thread 3 and sewing yarn 15 are compressed and heated, so thatthe leg portion 22 and inverted portion 23 of the fastener element 11are fused onto the fastener tape 2, as shown in FIG. 25.

[0091] Compression and heating of the core thread 3 and sewing yarn 15are to be carried out with an adjustment to such a degree that the corethread 3 and sewing yarns 15 are not cut. In a resultant product of theslide fastener chain, the fused portion 8 is formed at an end of thecoil-shaped fastener element 11, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0092] FIGS. 26 to 28 show an embodiment of forming an end of thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 in the fastener chain in which thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 are sewed directly onto a side edgeportion 5 of a fastener tape 2 with sewing yarns 15. When thecoil-shaped fastener elements 11 are cut and removed to produce a spaceportion 6 in the fastener chain shown in FIG. 14, a cut end potion 7provided in a leg portion 22 of the end of the coil-shaped fastenerelements 11 protrudes from the sewing yarns 15 toward the side edgeportion 5.

[0093] As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the fastener chain in this state issent to the die 30, and the pushing member 32, which has a taper surface37 at its end for inserting in the space portion 6 and a thickness equalto an interval of the sewing yarns 15 of the fastener chain, descendstoward the die 30 from above. Then, the taper surface 37 comes intocontact with the cut end potions 7 of the coil-shaped fastener elements11 protruding from the side edge portions 5 of the fastener tapes 2during a transportation of the fastener chain, whereby the taper surface37 guides the cut end potions 7 and pushes them inward of the fastenertape 2 to the sewing yarns 15 as the fastener chain is moved. As aresult, the inverted portions 23 are pushed out sideways of the sewingyarns 15. Alternatively, when the pushing member 32 descends withrespect to a halted fastener chain, with its tip end pushing the cut endpotions 7 of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 inward of the fastenertape 2.

[0094] With this state, the ultrasonic horn 31 opposing the pushingmember 32 descends to the die 30. As shown in FIG. 28, the ultrasonichorn 31 is of a size equal to a single fastener element 11. Theultrasonic horn 31 has a guide groove 33 at its center through which thepushing member 32 can slide up and down, and a cut-out portion 36disposed on each of opposite sides of the guide groove 33 at a positionfacing the die 30 for receiving and compressing the sewing yarns 15.Therefore, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 and sewing yarns 15 arecompressed and heated so that the leg portions 22 and inverted portions23 are fused. As a result, the coil-shaped fastener elements 11 arefused to the fastener tape 2.

[0095] The compression and heating of the sewing yarns 15 may be carriedout by adjustment to such a degree that the sewing yarns 15 are not cutoff. As a result, as shown in FIG. 16, the fused portions 8 can beformed at the ends of the coil-shaped fastener elements 11.

[0096] Finally, the apparatus for forming an end of the slide fastenerchain according to the present invention will now be described. Theapparatus is provided with a hauling mechanism of a known injectionmolding apparatus for hauling down a space portion of the continuousslide fastener chain in order to mold an upper stopper device and aseparable stopper device to the space portion(see, for example, Japanesepatent publication No. Hei 1-28564), or a hauling mechanism for haulingdown a space portion of the continuous slide fastener chain in order tosimultaneously attach an upper stopper device and a lower stopper deviceto the space portion, or a hauling mechanism for hauling it down inorder to simultaneously mold an upper stopper device, a lower stopperdevice or a box pin and separable pin of a separable stopper device tothe space portion of the continuous slide fastener chain (see, forexample, Japanese patent Laid-open publication No. Sho 57-89803).

[0097] As shown in FIG. 30, a transfer path 38 is formed on an uppersurface of a die 30 for transferring the continuous slide fastener chainwith space portions 6. The transfer path 38 is shallowly grooved so asto prevent the continuous slide fastener chain from being laterallymoved. The transfer path 38 is formed with a gap portion 39 at itscenter, and an arm 40 that is movable up and down is provided so as tocome in and out of the gap portion 39. The arm 40 has a shape that canpush down the space portion 6 of the continuous slide fastener chainbeing transferred into the gap portion 39.

[0098] A pair of pushing members 32 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 aredisposed in front and back of the gap portion 39 of the transfer path38. The pushing members 32 are movable up and down to project to thetransfer path 38 so as to project into the space portions 6 of thecontinuous slide fastener chain. Above the pushing members 32 disposedat the transfer path 38, a ultrasonic horn 31 as shown in FIGS. 23 and25 is disposed at an interval equal to a thickness of the pushing member32 for moving up and down so as to move toward and away from the linearfastener elements 1 of the continuous slide fastener chain. Theultrasonic horn 31 has generally an arc shape as shown in FIG. 30.

[0099] On opposite sides of a guide groove 33 for receiving the pushingmembers 32 at the transfer path 38, a pair of recessed portions 35 asshown in FIG. 24 are provided for bending and accommodating side edgeportions 5 of a pair of fastener tapes 2. The ultrasonic horn 31disposed above is provided with a pair of cut-out portions 36 as shownin FIG. 25 on opposite sides of an insertion groove 41 for receiving thepushing members 32. Therefore, the ultrasonic horn 31 can form andcompress core threads 3, fixing yarns 4 such as sewing yarns 15 or warpknitting yarns 18, or blades 9 to the fastener tapes 2 when it descendsto the die 30.

[0100] In the apparatus having such a structure, when the space portion6 of the continuous slide fastener chain transferred is located on thetransfer path 38 as shown in FIG. 30, the pushing members 32 ascends toproject from the die 30 into the space portion 6. Further, the arm 40descends to push down the continuous slide fastener chain into the gapportion 39 as shown in FIG. 31 until the cut end portions 7 of thelinear fastener elements 1 at the space portion 6 come into contact withthe pushing members 32, and then it is set.

[0101] In this set state, the ultrasonic horn 31 descends to the die 30as shown in FIG. 32, by which the cut end portions 7 of the linearfastener elements 1 of thermoplastic resin are pressed and formed ontothe fastener tapes 2 by the ultrasonic processing to form fused portions8 in front and back of the space portion 6 of the continuous slidefastener chain. Upon this forming is completed, the ultrasonic horn 31ascends, and the arm 40 ascends, and at the same time the pushingmembers 32 descends to retreat from the transfer path 38. Then, thecontinuous slide fastener chain is transferred to the next processingapparatus.

[0102] The continuous slide fastener chain with the fused portions 8formed by fusing the cut end portions 7 at the ends of the linearfastener elements by the apparatus as mentioned above is then processedby the next processing apparatus. Specifically, one pair of the fusedportions 8 formed in front or back of the space portion 6 of thefastener chain are attached or molded with an upper stopper device at aposition adjacent to the fused portions 8 or so as to cover the fusedportions 8, while the other pair of the fused portions 8 of the fastenerchain are attached or molded with a lower stopper device in the samemanner, thus completing the fastener chain. Or, while one pair of thefused portions 8 formed in front or back of the space portion 6 of thefastener chain are attached or molded with an upper stopper device, theother pair of the fused portions 8 of the fastener chain may be attachedor molded with a box pin and separable pin of a separable stopper deviceso as to cover the fused portions 8, thus, completing the fastenerchain.

[0103] The slide fastener chain and the method for forming the end ofthe slide fastener chain of the present invention has such a structureas described above, by which the following effects can be achieved.

[0104] According to the first aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a slide fastener chain including linear fastener elements 1 ofthermoplastic resin attached to a side edge portion 5 of a fastener tape2, wherein the end of the linear fastener elements 1 has a fused portion8 formed by fusing the fastener element 1 at said end to the fastenertape 2 by heating in such a manner that a cut end potion 7 of the end ofthe linear fastener elements 1 is located inward of the side edgeportion 5 of the fastener tape 2. As a result, the end of the linearfastener elements 1 in the fastener chain are fixed integrally to thefastener tape 2 so that the cut end potion 7 at the end of the fastenerchain never protrudes outward from the side edge portion 5 of thefastener tape 2. Therefore, a safety fastener chain which never injuresthe skin of a wearer or catch on the underwear can be achieved, thusthis fastener chain never gives a feeling of a physical discomfort evenwhen it is used for a long term.

[0105] Further, according to the first aspect of the present invention,the end of the linear fastener elements has the fused portion 8 formedby fusing the fastener element 1 at said end to the fastener tape 2 byheating in such a manner that the cut end potion 7 of said end of thelinear fastener elements 1 is pushed inward of the side edge portion 5of the fastener tape 2. Therefore, because the cut end potion 7 at theend of the linear fastener elements 1 is pushed positively inward of thefastener tape 2, the leg portion 22 of the linear fastener elements 1located below the core thread 3 or fixing yarns 4 is exposed at a sideof the inverted portion 23 so that a fused area of the linear fastenerelements 1 at the end can be larger. Thus, the fused portion 8 that iseasy to be fused and excellent in strength can be formed.

[0106] Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, the cut end potion 7 of the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 is provided in the leg portion 22 of the fastener element 1at said end which faces and is in contact with the fastener tape 2, andthe fused portion 8 is formed by fusing the inverted portion 23 or theleg portion 22, or both the inverted portion 23 and the fused portion 8of the fastener element 1 at said end to the fastener tape 2 by heating.Therefore, an effective fusing means can be selected appropriatelydepending on the size of the linear fastener elements 1. For example,for a fastener element 1 of large size, the inverted portion 23 may befused, and for a fastener element 1 of small size, the leg portion 22and the inverted portion 23 may be fused. For a fastener element 1employing a blade 9, the leg portion 22 may be fused. Thus, the cut endpotion 7 can be fused securely depending on the configuration ordisposition of the fastener element 1.

[0107] Still further, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, the cut end potion 7 of the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 is provided in the upper leg portion 22 at said end which isdisposed apart from a surface of the fastener tape 2, and the fusedportion is formed by fusing the upper leg portion 22 and the invertedportion 23 to the fastener tape 2 by heating. Therefore, the spaceportion 6 can be produced in the fastener chain easily withoutconsidering the shape of the coil shape or zigzag shape fastenerelements 1, for example, a coiling direction of the fastener elements 1or upper or lower disposition of the inverted portion 23. Even whenthere is any cut end potion 7 in the upper leg portion 22, the fusedportion 8 can be formed easily.

[0108] Still further, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, the cut end potion 7 of the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 is located below the core thread 3 or the blade 9 attached atthe linear fastener elements 1, and the cut end potion 7 is fused to thefastener tape 2 while being nipped by the core thread 3 or the blade 9and the fastener tape 2. Therefore, this aspect is most suitable forlinear fastener elements 1 employing the core thread 3 or the blade 9.The fused portion 8 can be formed in a firm and stable configurationtogether with the core thread 3 or the blade 9, and the fused cut endpotion 7 is covered by the core thread 3 or the blade 9 so that it isnever exposed on a surface of the fastener chain. Therefore, a safetyconfiguration that does not contact with the skin of a wearer or hisunderwear can be realized.

[0109] Still further, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, the cut end potion 7 of the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 is located below the fixing yarns 4 for fixing the linearfastener elements 1 onto the fastener tape 2, and the cut end potion 7is fused to the fastener tape 2 while being nipped by the fixing yarn 4and the fastener tape 2. Therefore, this aspect is most suitable forlinear fastener elements 1 of small size sewed with the sewing yarns 15,or linear fastener elements 1 woven or knitted with the warp yarns 16 orthe warp knitting yarns 18. The fused portion 8 can be formed in a firmand stable configuration together with the sewing yarns 15, warp yarns16 or warp knitting yarns 18, and the fused cut end potion 7 is coveredwith the fixing yarns 4 so that it is never exposed on a surface of thefastener chain. Thus, a safety configuration that does not contact withthe skin of a wearer or his underwear can be realized.

[0110] Still further, according to the first aspect of the presentinvention, an upper stopper device 10, a lower stopper device or a setof box pin and separable pin of a separable stopper device is attachedto the fastener elements 1 located adjacent to the fused portion 8formed on the linear fastener elements 1 or located so as to cover thefused portion 8 formed on the linear fastener elements 1. Therefore, theend of the linear fastener elements 1 can be formed to be a stable fusedportion 8, and the upper stopper device 10, the lower stopper device orthe box pin and separable pin of a separable stopper device can befirmly fixed at a position adjacent to the fused portion 8 or so as tocover the fused portion 8. Thus it is possible to achieve the slidefastener chain with upper and lower or separable stopper devices indurable and safe configurations.

[0111] According to the second aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a method for forming an end of a slide fastener chain in whichthe linear fastener elements 1 made of thermoplastic resin are attachedto a side edge portion 5 of a fastener tape 2, the method comprisingsteps of cutting a leg portion 22 at said end of the linear fastenerelements 1 to form a cut end potion 7; pushing the cut end potion 7inward of the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2; and whilekeeping said cut end potion 7 being pushed, fusing said end of thelinear fastener elements 1 to the fastener tape 2 by heating. Therefore,the cut end potion 7 can be formed at the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 in the fastener chain, and the cut end potion 7 can bedisposed securely inward of the fastener tape 2. Further, while thisinward position, the linear fastener elements 1 can be fused to thefastener tape 2 easily.

[0112] Further, according to the second aspect of the present invention,the method comprises steps of: forwarding a pair of pushing members 32into the space portion 6 of the fastener chain; hauling the fastenerchain at the space portion 6 so as to locate front and back cut endportions 7 of the space portion 6 at the pushing members 32 and at thesame time, pressing the linear fastener elements 1 to be separated inlateral directions thereof while contacting the cut end potions 7 of thelinear fastener elements 1 with the pushing members 32; and pushing eachof the cut end potions 7 inward of the side edge portion 5 of thefastener tape 2. Therefore, it is possible to achieve accurate andsimple preparatory process of forming the fused portions 8 in front andback of the space portion 6 of the fastener chain.

[0113] Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the presentinvention, the method further includes a step of, with the cut endpotion 7 of the end of the linear fastener elements 1 being pushedinward of the side edge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2, fusing theinverted portion 23 of the linear fastener elements 1 at the end to thefastener tape 2 by heating. Therefore, the inverted portion 23 appearingby reaction when the cut end potion 7 at the end of the linear fastenerelements 1 is pushed inward of the fastener tape 2 positively can bebrought into contact with a heating member without being disturbed bythe core thread 3 or the fixing yarns 4. Thus, the inverted portion 23can be fused to the fastener tape 2 easily.

[0114] Still further, according to the second aspect of the presentinvention, the method further includes a step of pressing the side edgeportions 5 of a pair of the fastener tapes 2 in lateral directionsthereof by the pushing member 32 having a taper surface 37 at an endthereof when the pushing member 32 ascends to contact with the side edgeportions 5, and bending the side edge portions 5 in a predetermineddirection to enlarge a gap between the fastener tapes 2 while pushingthe cut end potions 7 inward of the side edge portions 5. Therefore,byraising the pushing member 32 in contact with the side edge portions 5of the fastener tapes 2, the cut end potions 7 at the ends of the linearfastener elements 1 can be pushed inward of the fastener tapes 2 easily.

[0115] Still further, according to the second aspect of the presentinvention, the method further includes a step of pressing the cut endpotions 7 formed at said ends of the linear fastener elements 1 attachedto the side edge portions 5 of a pair of the fastener tapes 2 forseparating them in lateral directions thereof by the pushing member 32when the pushing member 32 descends to contact with the cut end potions7, and pushing the cut end potions 7 inward of the side edge portions 5.Therefore, by lowering the pushing member 32 against the cut end potions7 to bring it into contact therewith, the cut end potions 7 at the endof the linear fastener elements 1 can be pushed inward of the fastenertapes 2 easily.

[0116] According to the third aspect of the present invention, thetransfer path 38 is formed on a top face of a die 30 for transferring acontinuous slide fastener chain having space portions 6, a gap portion39 is provided in a middle portion of the transfer path 38, an arm 40 isprovided so as to movable in and out of the gap portion 39, a pair ofpushing members 32 are disposed in front and back of the gap portion 39so as to projecting toward the transfer path 38, and a ultrasonic horn31 is disposed so as to face parts of the die 30 corresponding to thepushing members 32 and movable toward and away from the die 30.Therefore, it is possible to easily and efficiently form the fusedportions 8 in front and back of the space portion 6 of the continuousfastener chain, thus the productivity can be enhanced.

[0117] Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention,the pushing member 32 has a taper surface 37 at its end surface tocontact with the linear fastener elements 1. Therefore, the pushingmember 32 can catch the cut end portions 7 of the linear fastenerelements 1 accurately and smoothly.

[0118] Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, the die 30 is provided with a guide groove 33 through whichthe pushing member 32 is slidably movable up and down so as to come inand out of the guide groove 33. Therefore, the pushing member 32 can beactuated smoothly with respect to the die 30 and can accurately stop thetransferring of the continuous slide fastener chain at the end-formingposition.

[0119] Still further, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, the ultrasonic horn is provided with an insertion groove 41in which the pushing member 32 can be inserted. Therefore, it ispossible that the pushing member 32 and the ultrasonic horn 31 aresmoothly actuated so as to face with each other in an accurate manner.

[0120] Still further, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, the die 30 is provided with a recessed portion 35 on each ofopposite sides of an end portion of the guide groove 33 so that the sideedge portion 5 of the fastener tape 2 can be bent and accommodated inthe recessed portion 35. Therefore, the fastener tape 2 can not obstructthe cut end portion 7 to be pushed in, thus the end of the slidefastener can be formed with good appearance and quality.

[0121] Still further, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, a cut-out portion 36 is provided on each of opposite sides ofan end portion of the insertion groove 41 so that a core thread 3,fixing yarn 4 or blade 9 can be accommodated and pressed in the cut-outportion 36. Therefore, the end of the slide fastener can be formed at ahigh speed, and the resultant slide fastener is good in quality.

[0122] Still further, according to the third aspect of the presentinvention, the ultrasonic horn 31 is provided with a guide groove 34through which the pushing member 32 is slidably movable up and down sothat the pushing member 32 can come in and out of the guide groove 34.Therefore, the pushing member 32 can be actuated smoothly with respectto the ultrasonic horn 31 and can accurately stop the transferring ofthe continuous slide fastener chain at the end-forming position.

[0123] As descried above, the effects that can be achieved by thepresent invention are very remarkable.

What is claimed is:
 1. A slide fastener chain including linear fastenerelements of thermoplastic resin attached to a side edge portion of afastener tape, wherein an end of the linear fastener elements has afused portion formed by fusing the fastener element at said end to thefastener tape by heating in such a manner that a cut end potion of theend at the linear fastener elements is located inward of the side edgeportion.
 2. A slide fastener chain according to claim 1, wherein saidend of the linear fastener elements has the fused portion formed byfusing the fastener element at said end to the fastener tape by heatingin such a manner that the cut end potion of the end of the linearfastener elements is pushed inward of the side edge portion of thefastener tape.
 3. A slide fastener chain according to claim 1, whereinthe cut end potion of the linear fastener elements is provided in a legportion of the fastener element at said end which faces and is incontact with the fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed byfusing an inverted portion of the linear fastener element at said end tothe fastener tape by heating.
 4. A slide fastener chain according toclaim 1, wherein the cut end portion of the linear fastener elements isprovided in a leg portion of the fastener element at said end whichfaces and is in contact with the fastener tape, and the fused portion isformed by fusing the leg portion to the fastener tape by heating.
 5. Aslide fastener chain according to claim 1, wherein the cut end portionof the linear fastener elements is provided in a leg portion of thelinear fastener element at said end which faces and is in contact withthe fastener tape, and the fused portion is formed by fusing the legportion and an inverted portion to the fastener tape by heating.
 6. Aslide fastener chain according to claim 1, wherein the cut end portionof the linear fastener elements is provided in an upper leg portion atsaid end which is disposed apart from a surface of the fastener tape,and the fused portion is formed by fusing the upper leg portion and aninverted portion to the fastener tape by heating.
 7. A slide fastenerchain according to claim 1, wherein the cut end portion of the linearfastener elements is located below a core thread or a blade attached atthe linear fastener elements, and the cut end portion is fused to thefastener tape while being nipped by the core thread or the blade and thefastener tape.
 8. A slide fastener chain according to claim 1, whereinthe cut end portion of the linear fastener elements is located below afixing yarn for fixing the linear fastener elements onto the fastenertape, and the cut end portion is fused to the fastener tape while beingnipped by the fixing yarn and the fastener tape.
 9. A slide fastenerchain according to claim 1, wherein an upper stopper device or a lowerstopper device is attached to the fastener elements at a positionlocated adjacent to the fused portion formed on the linear fastenerelements.
 10. A slide fastener chain according to claim 1, wherein anupper stopper device, a lower stopper device, or a set of box pin andseparable pin of a separable stopper device is attached so as to coverthe fused portion formed on the linear fastener elements.
 11. A methodfor forming an end of a slide fastener chain in which linear fastenerelements made of thermoplastic resin are attached to a side edge portionof a fastener tape, said method comprising steps of: cutting a legportion at said end of the linear fastener elements to form a cut endportion; pushing the cut end portion inward of the side edge portion ofthe fastener tape; and while keeping said cut end portion being pushed,fusing said end of the linear fastener elements to the fastener tape byheating.
 12. A method for forming an end of a slide fastener chainaccording to claim 11, further comprising steps of: forwarding a pair ofpushing members into the space portion of the fastener chain; haulingthe fastener chain at the space portion so as to locate front and backcut end portions of the space portion at the pushing members and at thesame time, pressing the linear fastener elements to be separated inlateral directions thereof while contacting the cut end potions of thelinear fastener elements with the pushing members; and pushing each ofthe cut end potions inward of the side edge portion of the fastenertape.
 13. A method for forming an end of a slide fastener chainaccording to claim 11, further comprising a step of, with the cut endportion of said end of the linear fastener elements being pushed inwardof the side edge portion of the fastener tape, fusing an invertedportion of the linear fastener element at said end to the fastener tapeby heating.
 14. A method for forming an end of a slide fastener chainaccording to claim 11, further comprising steps of: pressing the sideedge portions of a pair of the fastener tapes in lateral directionsthereof by each of the pushing members when the pushing members ascendto contact with the side edge portions; and bending the side edgeportions in a predetermined direction to enlarge a gap between thefastener tapes and at the same time, pushing the cut end portions inwardof the side edge portions.
 15. A method for forming an end of a slidefastener chain according to claim 11, further comprising steps of:pressing and separating the cut end portions formed at said ends of thelinear fastener elements attached to the side edge portions of a pair ofthe fastener tapes in lateral directions thereof by each of the pushingmembers when the pushing members descend to contact with the cut endportions; and pushing the cut end portions inward of the side edgeportions.
 16. An apparatus for forming an end of a slide fastener chain,comprising: a transfer path formed on a top face of a die fortransferring a continuous slide fastener chain having space portions; agap portion provided in a middle of the transfer path; an arm movable inand out of the gap portion; a pair of pushing members disposed in frontand back of the gap portion and projectable toward the transfer path; aultrasonic horn disposed so as to face parts of the die corresponding tothe pushing members and movable toward and away from the die.
 17. Anapparatus for forming an end of a slide fastener chain according toclaim 16, wherein the pushing member has a taper surface at an endsurface thereof to contact with linear fastener elements.
 18. Anapparatus for forming an end of a slide fastener chain according toclaim 16, wherein the die is provided with a guide groove through whichthe pushing member is slidably movable in such a manner that the pushingmember can come in and out of the guide groove.
 19. An apparatus forforming an end of a slide fastener chain according to claim 18, whereinthe ultrasonic horn is provided with an insertion groove in which thepushing member can be inserted.
 20. An apparatus for forming an end of aslide fastener chain according to claim 18, wherein a recessed portionis provided on each of opposite sides of an end portion of the guidegroove so that the side edge portion of the fastener tape can beaccommodated in the recessed portion.
 21. An apparatus for forming anend of a slide fastener chain according to claim 19, wherein a cut-outportion is provided on each of opposite sides of an end portion of theinsertion groove so that a core thread, fixing yarn or blade can beaccommodated and pressed in the cut-out portion.
 22. An apparatus forforming an end of a slide fastener chain according to claim 16, whereinthe ultrasonic horn is provided with a guide groove through which thepushing member is slidably movable so that the pushing member come inand out of the guide groove.